Wave has been a favourite of Nigerian freelancers and agencies for years: free, simple and good-looking. In 2026 many Nigerian users logged in to find this notice: users outside the US and Canada are no longer able to automatically send invoices or reminders via Wave. Here's what it means and how to decide what to do.
What exactly changed?
According to Wave's in-app notice to users outside the US and Canada:
- Sending invoices from Wave (email delivery from the platform) is no longer available.
- Automatic payment reminders are no longer available.
- Wave points affected users to a partner offer from Zoho Books.
Other Wave features were already limited to the US and Canada before this: Wave Payments (card and bank payments on invoices) and Wave Payroll don't support Nigerian businesses.
What still works for Nigerian users?
You can still log in to your books, record transactions and view reports, and you can still create invoices and share them yourself (for example by downloading the PDF and emailing it). Check your own account, since features can change.
What are my options?
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on Wave and send invoices manually | Low volume, bookkeeping mostly | No reminders, no online payments, extra admin for every invoice |
| Zoho Books (Wave's partner offer, now with a Nigeria edition) | Companies that need inventory, projects or NRS e-invoicing today | No payroll in Nigeria (Zoho Payroll isn't offered here); Paystack through an add-on app |
| Spreadsheets | Very early-stage businesses | No reminders, error-prone, painful at tax time |
| A Nigeria-first platform | Companies that want invoicing, local payments, payroll and tax in one place | Check it can export your data if you ever leave |
What should I look for in a replacement?
Make a shortlist against the things that matter in Nigeria:
- Invoices that pass corporate AP: RC number, TIN, client PO number, VAT at 7.5% on its own line, WHT deduction, amount in words.
- Local payments: Paystack or Flutterwave, bank transfer details, USSD, paid into your account.
- Automatic reminders, since chasing is where cash flow is won or lost.
- Payroll with 2026 PAYE, pension and payslips, if you have staff.
- Tax tracking for VAT, PAYE, WHT and pension deadlines.
- Reports your accountant needs: P&L, cash flow, aged receivables and payables, and a transactions export.
- Data export, so you're never locked in.
How do I move my data?
- In Wave, run Reports → Account Transactions for All time on an Accrual basis and export it as CSV. It has every invoice's client, number, date, services and VAT. Settings → Data Export gives you the full accounting and sales files too.
- Export your customer list for emails and phone numbers.
- Import the files into your new tool, or recreate your unpaid invoices first so you can keep collecting.
- Set up your retainers as recurring invoices so the next month goes out on time.
- Tell clients if your payment details or invoice format change.
In BizBooks, Settings → Import reads Wave's CSV files directly, rebuilds each invoice with its services and VAT, and spots monthly retainers for you. Step-by-step guide.
Where BizBooks fits
BizBooks was built for exactly this gap: Wave's simple approach to books and invoicing, plus what Nigerian companies need. It sends invoices and automatic reminders, takes payments through your own Paystack or Flutterwave, runs payroll with 2026 PAYE, and tracks VAT, WHT, PAYE and pension deadlines. You can start free. BizBooks vs Wave · BizBooks vs Zoho Books.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use Wave in Nigeria?
Yes, for bookkeeping and creating invoices, but Wave no longer sends invoices or reminders automatically for users outside the US and Canada.
Does Wave support Paystack or Flutterwave?
No. Wave Payments is available only in the US and Canada and doesn't integrate Nigerian gateways.
Does Wave Payroll work in Nigeria?
No. Wave Payroll is for US and Canadian businesses.
How do I export my data from Wave?
Run the Account Transactions report for all time on an accrual basis and export it as CSV, or use Settings → Data Export. Then import the files into your new tool, starting with unpaid invoices.
Is Zoho Books a good Wave alternative in Nigeria?
Zoho Books now has a Nigeria edition with VAT, WHT and e-invoicing on higher plans. It doesn't offer payroll in Nigeria, and Paystack works through an add-on. If you run a payroll or want Paystack and Flutterwave built in, compare it with a Nigeria-first tool.
Sources
- Wave in-app notice to users outside the US and Canada (2026), and Wave pricing (Wave Payments and Payroll availability).
- Zoho Books Nigeria pricing and Zoho: payroll in Zoho Books.